‘Very rare’ blood clots
Ministry has capability of treating patients, says Dr Fong
THE Health Ministry has the capability of treating patients who may develop blood clotting conditions as a result of receiving AstraZeneca vaccines, says permanent secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr James Fong.
He said the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine’s effective protection against COVID-19 far outweigh the risks.
“We have already had a consent process in place,” he said.
“All who have been vaccinated in Fiji to date have signed a consent form before getting vaccinated.
“We also have a process for adverse event reporting and response. We are making some changes to these existing processes in response to the newly reported link to this very rare but serious side effect.”
Meanwhile, Seeto Hui, who has registered herself for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, said senior citizens must get vaccinated.
“We (senior citizens) set the tone from the top – our prime minister registered and got vaccinated recently,” she said.
“I will be 89 years old later this year and I have told my friends and relatives that I have registered and they should as well.”
The mother of eight who arrived from China in 1950 said getting vaccinated ensured that citizens of Fiji would be safe from the pandemic.
“We should take heed of the advice of the Ministry of Health and know that the information disseminated is in the best interests of Fiji.”
Ms Hui said she would now await the call to receive her first of two vaccine injections.
“I am looking forward to receiving my vaccine; I will wait for the call and do my bit for mankind.”
All who have been vaccinated in Fiji to date have signed a consent form before getting vaccinated Dr James Fong